A former LaRue County graduate will be taking up the mantle of head football coach this coming season.

Tony Hatmaker, who graduated in 1988, returns to LaRue County High School from the college game, where he’s coached in some capacity for more than 20 years. Most recently, he served as the defensive backs coach at Eastern Kentucky University for the last four years. During his tenure, the Colonels ranked first in the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense and turnovers forced twice.

The LaRue County Middle School Mat Hawks finished in sixth place last weekend at the KSWA District 2 wrestling tournament in Campbellsville. The Hawks had four members – Thomas Hoppes, Thomas Boone, Tucker Shelton and Chase Baker – advance to regions.

It’s an often-used cliché in sports about being in the right place at the right time. When it comes to Tony Hatmaker, that wasn’t just a line, but an opportunity to return to the place where he starred as a player.

Hatmaker was named the LaRue County football coach Thursday, returning to his roots. Hatmaker, who played football and baseball for the Hawks, replaces Josh Jaggers, who resigned in December.